Hearing set for park ordinances, smoking ban considered

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By Matt Durr

Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

By Matt Durr

Posted Jul. 3, 2013 at 9:17 AM

By Matt Durr

Posted Jul. 3, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

mdurr@hillsdale.net

HILLSDALE — The Hillsdale City Council set a public hearing date for a proposed ordinance to amend the city code — which includes banning smoking in most areas of public parks and allowing for civil fines to be issued to those who break the ordinance.

"As you know, the Rotary Club recently dedicated the improved beach house concession stand at Sandy Beach. The swimming season has started and it's apparent certain rules need to be in place to provide the users of the area safe and enjoyable experience," said City Manager Linda Brown. "As you can see, the ordinance addresses parks in general with certain specificities regarding the Sandy Beach area."

The ordinance addressed five areas of concern and what is and is not allowed in city parks. Smoking will only permitted in designated areas of the parks and includes smokeless tobacco.

"No person shall smoke or use tobacco products in any of the following public parks which are owned or operated by the City of Hillsdale, except in such smoking areas as the city manager, or his or her designee, might be designate and identify with posted signs," states the ordinance.

That ban includes the beach area of Sandy Beach. Disposal of tobacco products must also be done in designated waste containers.

The ordinance also addressed the issue of fires and barbeques in city parks. Fires are not permitted inside of any park owned by the city. Fires may only be started if they are contained inside of "a grill, barbecue, stove or other freestanding metal vessel, device or utensil and used solely for the purpose of cooking, heating, reheating or otherwise preparing food or drink for consumption."

However, no fires may be started inside of Sandy Beach Park under any condition.

Animals must also be on leashes at all times in city parks, but are not allowed in Sandy Beach Park at any time. The ban on animals in parks does not include dogs that have been trained to provide assistance to impaired individuals.

Bicycling, rollerblading and roller skating are now prohibited on any concrete area of Sandy Beach Park.

Finally, parking may only be done in designated areas of city parks. No motor vehicles are allowed to park on any grassy areas or any other areas within city parks that are not designated for the parking of motor vehicles.

The penalty for violating any of these rules is responsibility for municipal civil infraction and is subject to civil fines set in the the code and any other fines imposed by the court. The civil fine violation of the ordinance is $25 for the first offense, $50 for the second and $100 for each offense after.

The public hearing is scheduled for July 15 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.